Nursing Elites

1. What behavior is essential for preventing in a child postoperatively after undergoing heart surgery to repair defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot?

• A. Crying
• B. Coughing
• C. Straining at stool
• D. Unnecessary movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing straining at stool is crucial postoperatively after heart surgery for tetralogy of Fallot to avoid increasing intrathoracic pressure and placing stress on the surgical site. This can help prevent complications and promote faster healing. While crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement are common postoperative behaviors, they are not specifically linked to worsening outcomes in this context. Straining at stool is particularly emphasized due to its potential to impact the surgical site and overall recovery process.

2. A child with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the child’s care plan?

• A. Monitoring fluid status
• B. Encouraging activity
• C. Promoting a high-calorie diet
• D. Maintaining oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload which can worsen their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications like congestive heart failure. Encouraging activity (Choice B) should be individualized based on the child's condition and tolerance, as excessive activity can strain the heart. Promoting a high-calorie diet (Choice C) is not typically recommended for children with congenital heart disease unless specifically indicated, as excessive weight gain can worsen their cardiac function. Maintaining oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but monitoring fluid status is a more fundamental aspect of care for children with congenital heart disease.

3. During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child’s reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. The child is repressing feelings for the parent.
• B. Routines have been established, and the child feels safe.
• C. The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.
• D. Behavior has improved because the child feels better physically.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.' This response indicates that the child is emotionally withdrawing due to the separation from the parent during hospitalization. Choice A is incorrect because the child's behavior does not necessarily suggest repressed feelings for the parent. Choice B is incorrect as feeling safe due to established routines does not fully explain the child's behavior. Choice D is incorrect because while feeling better physically may contribute to improved behavior, it does not address the emotional aspect of the child's reaction to the parent.

4. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering a bronchodilator
• B. Administering an antihistamine
• C. Administering a corticosteroid
• D. Administering oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, making breathing easier and relieving acute symptoms of asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations; they are more commonly used for allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are beneficial in reducing inflammation in asthma but are usually administered after bronchodilators to provide long-term control. Oxygen therapy may be necessary in severe cases of asthma exacerbation, but bronchodilators take precedence in improving airway patency and respiratory distress.

5. What should be included in the nursing plan of care for a 6-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

• A. Place the infant in a warm, dry environment.
• B. Allow parents and siblings to visit.
• C. Maintain standard and contact precautions.
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics immediately.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Maintain standard and contact precautions. RSV is highly contagious, primarily spread through respiratory secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to implement infection control measures such as standard and contact precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, staff, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because warmth and dryness are not specific interventions for RSV; the focus should be on infection control. Choice B may increase the risk of exposing others to RSV, so limiting visitors is recommended. Choice D is unnecessary because RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

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